Godello
2019 Valdeorras ‘Louro’ (Rafael Palacios)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
From their headquarters in Rioja, the Palacios family has dispatched their sons to various regions of Spain to make superlative wines. First it was Alvaro, who helped jumpstart the revolution in Priorat. Next, Alvaro and Ricardo started an estate in Bierzo. Then Rafael landed in nearby Valdeorras, where he created a great estate of his own by buying small plots of old vines. Louro is made from the Godello grape, grown in the mountainous interior of Galicia. The 2019 has soaring aromatics and great minerality, resulting in a flinty white with hints of green apple and fennel. This is a terrific white for flavorful fish such as striped bass and swordfish, and we feel it deserves recognition as one of the best white wines of Spain.

Sylvaner
2017 Sylvaner (Domaine Weinbach)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
Sylvaner is literally losing ground. Once the most planted grape in Germany, it is now merely the third. In Alsace, growers might as well put ‘old vines’ on every label of Sylvaner because very few are planting new vines. Still, it’s safe from extinction thanks to some amazing examples from Franken in Germany and this one from Alsace in France. The Faller family of Domaine Weinbach cultivate their Sylvaner in the Clos des Capucins, the original vineyard from the days that the estate was a monastery. The 2017 is a beguiling example of the grape— though reticent at first, it bursts on the palate with lip-smacking flavor and a crisp, lively, dry finish. An added bonus, the estate has been organic and biodynamic for many years. Try this with a pork roast with cabbage.

Cortese
2019 Gavi (Tenuta San Pietro)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
Gavi is located in Southeastern Piedmont, just a steep, curvy road from the seaport of Genoa in Liguria. In fact, it was in the fish restaurants of Genoa that Gavi first gained renown. Today, it is appreciated for its versatility and its easy-going, fresh and fruity flavor. The 2019 from San Pietro has ripe, fleshy peach and apricot fruit. Made from organic grapes (and certified as vegan) this wine is ripe and ready for pasta tossed with mushrooms and garlic scapes.

Le Grand Touraine
2019 Touraine Sauvignon ‘Le Grand St. Vincent’ (Les Vignerons des Coteaux Romanais)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
It took a little longer than usual, but we did receive our annual pallet of ‘Le Grand St. Vincent’ Sauvignon Blanc. The 2019 edition of this Loire mainstay is as good as ever with its citrusy fruit and crisp, dry finish.

Cru Bourgeois Médoc
2016 Médoc Cru Bourgeois (Château Haut Queyran)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
No one denies the greatness of Bordeaux, but when bottles trade in the triple digits, we are content to park in one of our favorite campgrounds – the Cru Bourgeois. It may not have a view of the ocean, but there are always solid values to be found in this designation. The 2016 Haut Queyran delivers fine Merlot fruit and hearty Cabernet Sauvignon structure to make this an unmistakable and gripping Médoc. Superb with blue cheeses and beef.

 

 

Specialty Foods

Say Goodbye to Summer

It’s New England, and as summer winds down and fall fast approaches, hints of the cooler days ahead are already in the air, though temperatures remain high. This month we are bringing in some fresh relief, and one surprisingly sharp bite for contrast.

Narragansett Burrata $9.99 / 8 oz each
(Regular Price $10.99)
– Pasteurized Cow –
This lovely, hand-stretched mozzarella from Providence, RI is filled with a creamy stracciatella (cream with fine strands of mozzarella). Enjoy it simply at room temperature with olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt and red pepper flakes, and serve with the ripest tomatoes you can find. Or, elevate pasta night and place a ball in the center of hot linguini with sautéed vegetables.

Provolone Mandarone $30.99 per lb 
(Regular Price $32.99)
– Pasteurized Cow –
Prepare yourself...one bite and you will be as hooked as we are! This one ranks in our top 10 cheese experiences and it is certainly memorable. This Provolone Mandarone (which translates to large tangerine, referring to the shape) is selected from artisan cheesemakers throughout Northern Italy. After 36 months of aging, the result is a wonderfully sharp, savory delight. Because it is so rich and intense, it is best eaten in small portions, paired with a full bodied red wine and fresh, hearty bread.

In House Caprese $9.99 per lb
(Regular Price $10.99)
– Pasteurized Cow –
Made with Maplebrook Farm Ciliegine, olive oil, marinated roasted tomatoes, fresh basil and sea salt. This bright salad will make a great addition to your next meal as a cool side dish, or a sandwich on a fresh baguette. We’re fond of bringing a tub along to socially-distanced picnics.